Locking holster for handguns with non-traditional form factors

ABSTRACT

A holster for receiving an integrally suppressed handgun having a trigger guard and a complementary interlocking feature located forward of a forward-most end of the trigger guard. The holster comprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall extending therebetween. The holster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. The holster including a retention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by the wall of the holster body with the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis. A blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to be received in the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun. The lever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through an aperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/447,208 filed Jan. 17, 2017 to Sereday et al.,entitled “Locking Holster For Handguns With Non-Traditional FormFactors,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Handgun users, such as law enforcement personnel, frequently use aholster to protect the handgun and hold it securely. A locking mechanismis an important feature, for example, to prevent an assailant fromdrawing a police officer's firearm from its holster. A locking mechanismmay also prevent the handgun from inadvertently falling out of theholster, for example, when a police officer is running or climbing overan obstacle such as a fence. A number of holsters are designed to lockonto the trigger guard of a hand gun.

Some handguns have a non-traditional form factor. Additionally, somehandgun users may mount an accessory, such as a light, forward of thetrigger guard and below the barrel of the handgun. When this is thecase, the handgun/accessory assembly has an overall form factordifferent from the traditional gun shaped form factor. A locking holsterdesign compatible with handguns having a non-traditional form factorswould be a welcome addition to the equipment available to handgun userssuch as law enforcement personnel.

SUMMARY

A combination of a holster for receiving a handgun and a handgun isdisclosed. In one or more embodiments, the handgun comprises a framehaving a rearward grip portion and a barrel supported by the frame. Inone or more embodiments, the barrel has a breech end, a muzzle end, anda barrel wall, the barrel wall extending along a barrel axis in aforward direction from the breech end to the muzzle end. In one or moreembodiments, a trigger guard is located forward of the grip portion, thetrigger guard being supported by the frame. In one or more embodiments,the handgun further comprises a forward suppressor unit located forwardof the trigger guard, the forward suppressor unit being supported by theframe. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit comprisesa complementary interlocking feature located forward of a forward facingsurface of the trigger guard. In one or more embodiments, thecomplementary interlocking feature comprises a rearwardly facing stopsurface. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unitcomprises a sound suppressing assembly located forward of the muzzle endof the barrel. In one or more embodiments, the sound suppressingassembly comprises a plurality of baffle wall portions that cooperatewith starboard wall portions and port wall portions to define aplurality of expansion chambers. In one or more embodiments, the holstercomprises a holster body having a forward end and a rearward end. In oneor more embodiments, the holster body comprises a holster wall defininga cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axisextending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, theholster body further defines the cavity as having a rearward portion, atrigger guard receiving portion forward of the rearward portion, and aforward portion forward of the trigger guard receiving portion. In oneor more embodiments, the holster wall defines an aperture opening intothe cavity. In one or more embodiments, the combination includes aretention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by theholster wall, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis. In one ormore embodiments, the lever has a finger engaging portion disposed on afirst side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a secondside of the pivot axis. In one or more embodiments, the lever ispositioned so that the blocking member extends through the aperture andinto the cavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position. Inone or more embodiments, the blocking member of the lever is dimensionedand adapted to be positioned at the complementary interlocking featureof the handgun when the handgun is holstered. In one or moreembodiments, the lever is selectively pivotable between a blockingposition in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned at thecomplementary interlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blockingposition in which the blocking member of the lever is displaced awayfrom the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.

A holster for receiving an integrally suppressed handgun having atrigger guard and a complementary interlocking feature located forwardof a forward-most end of the trigger guard is disclosed. The holstercomprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and aholster wall extending therebetween. The holster wall defining a cavityextending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. The cavitycomprising a rearward portion, a forward portion, and a trigger guardreceiving portion disposed between the forward portion and the rearwardportion. The holster wall defining an aperture opening into the forwardportion of the cavity. The holster including a retention mechanismcomprising a lever pivotally supported by the wall of the holster bodywith the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis. The lever having afinger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis and ablocking member disposed on a second side of the pivot axis. Theblocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to bereceived in the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun. Thelever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through theaperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when thelever is in the blocking position.

In one or more embodiments, a holster for receiving a handgun having atrigger guard and a complementary interlocking feature located forwardof a forward-most end of the trigger guard comprises a holster bodyhaving a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall extendingtherebetween. The holster wall extends in a forward direction from therearward end to the forward end and extends in the rearward directionfrom the rearward end to the forward end. The holster wall comprises astarboard side portion and a port side portion. The holster wall definesa holster cavity extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawalaxis. The handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extends forwardly andrearwardly.

The holster cavity comprises a rearward portion, a forward portion, anda trigger guard receiving portion disposed between the forward portionand the rearward portion. The holster wall defines an aperture thatopens into the forward portion of the holster cavity. A retentionmechanism of the holster is supported by the holster wall. The retentionmechanism comprises a lever pivotally supported by the holster wall. Thelever is pivotable relative to the holster body about a pivot axis. Inone or more embodiments, the lever pivots about a pin that extends alongthe pivot axis. The lever comprises a finger engaging portion disposedon a first side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on asecond side of the pivot axis. The blocking member of the lever isdimensioned and adapted to engage a complementary interlocking featureof the handgun. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member of thelever is dimensioned and adapted to be received in a notch of thecomplementary interlocking feature.

The lever of the holster is positioned so that the blocking memberextends through the aperture and into the forward portion of the holstercavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position. The lever isselectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blockingmember of the lever engages the complementary interlocking feature ofthe handgun and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member ofthe lever is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature ofthe handgun. In one or more embodiments, the handgun is retained in theholster cavity when the blocking member is engaging the complementaryinterlocking feature of the handgun and the handgun may be withdrawnfrom the holster cavity when the blocking member of the lever isdisengaged from the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.In one or more embodiments, the handgun is retained in the holstercavity when the blocking member is received in a notch of thecomplementary interlocking feature of the handgun and the handgun may bewithdrawn from the holster cavity when the blocking member of the leveris located outside of the notch of the complementary interlockingfeature. In one or more embodiments, a spring member of the holsterapplies a torque to the lever. In one or more embodiments, the torquehas a torque direction such that the lever is biased to pivot toward theblocking position.

In one or more embodiments, a handgun in accordance with this detaileddescription may comprise a frame supporting a barrel. In one or moreembodiments, the barrel has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrelwall extending therebetween. The barrel wall extends along a barrel axisin the forward direction from the breech end to the muzzle end andextends along the barrel axis in a rearward direction from the muzzleend to the breech end. In one or more embodiments, the handgun comprisesa rearward grip portion of the frame and a forward block portionsupported by the frame. In one or more embodiments, the rearward gripportion and the forward block portion each extend in a generallydownward direction away from the barrel. The handgun comprises a triggerguard having a rearward-most end, a forward-most end, and anintermediate portion extending therebetween. The rearward-most end ofthe trigger guard being fixed to a forward facing surface of therearward grip portion. The forward-most end of the trigger guard beingfixed to a rearward facing surface of the forward block portion. In oneor more embodiments, the forward block portion of the handgun comprisesa complementary interlocking feature. In one or more embodiments, thecomplementary interlocking feature is disposed forward of theforward-most end of the trigger guard. In one or more embodiments, thecomplementary interlocking feature is disposed downward of theforward-most end of the trigger guard.

In one or more embodiments, the lever of the retention mechanismcomprises a first arm, a second arm and a corner portion disposedbetween the first arm and the second arm. In one or more embodiments,the first arm extends rearward from the corner portion and the secondarm extends forward and downward from the corner portion. In one or moreembodiments, the first arm of the lever extends rearward to a pointrearward of the forward-most end of the trigger guard when the handgunis received in the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the first arm of the lever extends rearwardto a point forward of the rearward-most end of the trigger guard whenthe handgun is received in the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, a rearward end of the first arm is locatedrearward of the forward-most end of the trigger guard when the handgunis received in the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, a rearward end of the first arm is locatedforward of the rearward-most end of the trigger guard when the handgunis received in the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, a rearward end of the first arm is locatedupward of the forward-most end of the trigger guard when the handgun isreceived in the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature ofthe forward block portion of the handgun comprises a notch dimensionedand configured to receive at least a portion of a blocking member of aretention mechanism of a holster. The retention mechanism of the holstercomprises a lever pivotally supported by the holster wall. The lever ispivotable about a pivot axis with a finger engaging portion of the leverdisposed on a first side of the pivot axis and a blocking member of thelever disposed on a second side of the pivot axis. The lever of theholster is positioned so that the blocking member extends through theaperture and into the forward portion of the holster cavity at leastwhen the lever is in the blocking position. The lever is selectivelypivotable between a blocking position in which the blocking member ofthe lever engages the complementary interlocking feature of the handgunand a non-blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever isdisengaged from the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.In one or more embodiments, the handgun is retained in the holstercavity when the blocking member is engaging the complementaryinterlocking feature of the handgun and the handgun may be withdrawnfrom the holster cavity when the blocking member of the lever isdisengaged from the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.In one or more embodiments, the handgun is retained in the holstercavity when the blocking member is received in a notch of thecomplementary interlocking feature of the handgun and the handgun may bewithdrawn from the holster cavity when the blocking member of the leveris located outside of the notch of the complementary interlockingfeature. In one or more embodiments, a spring member of the holsterapplies a torque to the lever. In one or more embodiments, the torquehas a torque direction such that the lever is biased to pivot toward theblocking position.

In one or more embodiments, the holster wall defines an aperture thatopens into the holster cavity and the lever is positioned so that theblocking member extends through the aperture at least when the lever isin the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the aperture isdisposed forward of the forward-most end of the trigger guard when thehandgun is received in the holster cavity. In one or more embodiments,the aperture is disposed downward of the forward-most end of the triggerguard when the handgun is received in the holster cavity. In one or moreembodiments, the blocking member is disposed forward of the forward-mostend of the trigger guard when the handgun is received in the holstercavity. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member is disposeddownward of the forward-most end of the trigger guard when the handgunis received in the holster cavity. In one or more embodiments, theholster cavity comprises a rearward portion, a forward portion, and atrigger guard receiving portion disposed between the forward portion andthe rearward portion. In one or more embodiments, the holster walldefines an aperture that opens into the forward portion of the holstercavity. In one or more embodiments, the lever of a retention mechanismis positioned so that the blocking member of the lever extends throughthe aperture and into the forward portion of the holster cavity at leastwhen the lever is in the blocking position.

In one or more embodiments, the lever comprises a first arm, a secondarm and a corner portion disposed between the first arm and the secondarm. In one or more embodiments, the first arm extends rearward from thecorner portion and the second arm extends forward and downward from thecorner portion. In one or more embodiments, the second arm includes afirst side surface facing generally away from the holster cavity and asecond side surface facing generally toward the holster cavity. In oneor more embodiments, the blocking member of the lever comprises aprotrusion extending beyond the second side surface in a directiontoward the holster cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the protrusion of the lever comprises aforward facing surface. In one or more embodiments, the forward facingsurface comprises a first facet, a second facet and a convex surfacedisposed between the first facet and the second facet.

In one or more embodiments, the first facet has a skewed orientationrelative to the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis such that thefirst facet extends rearward as the first facet extends upward.

In one or more embodiments, the protrusion of the lever comprises aforward facing surface. In one or more embodiments, the forward facingsurface comprises a first facet, a second facet and a convex surfacedisposed between the first facet and the second facet.

In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking featurecomprises a first face, a second face and a concave surface disposedbetween the first face and the second face.

In one or more embodiments, the finger engaging portion of the lever isadapted and positioned for actuation via contact with a proximal portionof an index finger of a holster user.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun with a forwardsuppressor in combination with a holster that has a release mechanismthat obstructs removal of the handgun and suppressor by engaging andblocking the forward suppressor at a surface perpendicular or oblique tothe barrel axis of the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is automatic retention of thehandgun upon insertion of the handgun into the holster. The forwardblock of the handgun may engage a rearward facing ramped surface of theblocking member upon insertion of the handgun into the holster. Forcesapplied to the rearward facing ramped surface of the blocking memberupon insertion of the handgun into the holster may cause the lever topivot so that the blocking member is temporarily in a non-blockingposition. The lever of the retention mechanism may be biased, such as bya spring, to pivot toward the blocking position when the complementaryinterlocking feature of the forward block is positioned proximate theblocking member.

An assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments comprises thecombination of a holster for receiving a handgun and the handgun. In oneor more embodiments, the handgun comprises a frame having a rearwardgrip portion supporting a pair of grips. In one or more embodiments, thehandgun further comprises a trigger guard located forward of the gripportion, the trigger guard being supported by the frame. In one or moreembodiments, the handgun comprises a forward suppressor unit locatedforward of the trigger guard, the forward suppressor unit beingsupported by the frame. In one or more embodiments, the forwardsuppressor unit comprises a complementary interlocking feature locatedforward of a forward facing surface of the trigger guard. In one or moreembodiments, the complementary interlocking feature is located on astarboard side of the forward suppressor unit. In one or moreembodiments, the mating interlocking feature comprises a notch definedby a starboard wall portion of the forward suppressor unit. In one ormore embodiments, the forward suppressor unit comprises a matinginterlocking feature located forward of a forward facing surface of thetrigger guard. In one or more embodiments, the mating interlockingfeature is located on a port side of the forward suppressor unit. In oneor more embodiments, the mating interlocking feature comprises a notchdefined by a port wall portion of the forward suppressor unit. In one ormore embodiments, the handgun further comprises a barrel supported bythe frame. In one or more embodiments, the barrel has a breech end, amuzzle end, and a barrel wall. In one or more embodiments, the barrelwall extends along a barrel axis in a forward direction from the breechend to the muzzle end.

In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit comprises asound suppressing assembly located forward of the muzzle end of thebarrel. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unitcomprises, a plurality of starboard wall portions, a plurality ofopposing port wall portions, and a plurality of baffle wall portionsextending between the starboard wall portions and the port wallportions. In one or more embodiments, the wall portions define aplurality of expansion chambers. In one or more embodiments, each of thebaffle wall portions defines a bullet passageway. In one or moreembodiments, the baffle wall portions are arranged along the barrel axiswith the barrel axis intersecting the bullet passageway defined by eachof the baffle wall portions.

In one or more embodiments, the holster comprises a holster body havinga forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall. In one or moreembodiments, the holster wall defines a cavity extending along a handgunreceiving and withdrawal axis, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axisextending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, theholster body further defines the cavity as having a rearward portion, atrigger guard receiving portion forward of the rearward portion, and aforward portion forward of the trigger guard receiving portion. In oneor more embodiments, the trigger guard receiving portion is disposedbetween the forward portion and the rearward portion. In one or moreembodiments, the holster wall defines an aperture opening into theforward portion of the cavity. An assembly in accordance with one ormore embodiments further comprises a retention mechanism comprising alever that is pivotally supported by the holster wall. In one or moreembodiments, the lever is pivotable about a pivot axis. In one or moreembodiments, the lever has a finger engaging portion disposed on a firstside of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a second sideof the pivot axis. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member ofthe lever is dimensioned and adapted to be received in a complementaryinterlocking feature of the handgun. In one or more embodiments, thelever is positioned so that the blocking member extends through theaperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when thelever is in the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the leveris selectively pivotable between a blocking position in which theblocking member of the lever is positioned at the complementaryinterlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blocking position in whichthe blocking member of the lever is displaced away from thecomplementary interlocking feature of the handgun.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a retention mechanism that isautomatically reset after withdrawal of the handgun. The lever of theretention mechanism may be biased, such as by a spring, to pivot towardthe blocking position when the hand and the handgun are moved away fromthe holster.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a locking action that resistsor prevents pivoting of the lever while rearward forces are beingapplied to the handgun; for example, when an attacker is attempting todraw the user's weapon.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a locking mechanism includinga lever having a finger engaging portion adapted and positioned foractuation via contact with a proximal portion of an index finger of theholster user rather than a fingertip.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into,and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative ofcertain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a handgun and aholster.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a handgun and aholster.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a handgun and a lever of a lockingmechanism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a handgun.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a handgun.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a handgun.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a lever.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a lever in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 8B is a right side view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a top view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a rear view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is a left side view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8F is a bottom view of the lever shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 9B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 10B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 11B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 12B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a front view of a handgun in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 13B is a right side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a top view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D is a rear view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13E is a left side view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13F is a bottom view of the handgun shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a handgun. The handgun of FIG. 14may form part of a combination including the handgun of FIG. 14 and theholsters described in the instant patent application.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a handgun. The handgun of FIG. 15may form part of a combination including the handgun of FIG. 15 and theholsters described in the instant patent application.

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustratingthe handgun shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustratingthe handgun shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a partially cross-sectioned perspective view furtherillustrating the handgun shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view further illustratingthe handgun shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly including alever, a spring member, and a pin.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly including alever, a spring member, and a pin.

FIG. 22A is a front view of a holster in accordance with an embodimentdescribed in the detailed description.

FIG. 22B is a right side view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22C is a top view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22D is a rear view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22E is a left side view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22F is a bottom view of the holster shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a handgun holstered in a holster.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shownby way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit thedisclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, a combination of aholster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and a handgun 122 is disclosed.In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a frame 220 havinga rearward grip portion 232 and a barrel 222 supported by the frame 220.In one or more embodiments, the barrel 222 has a breech end 224, amuzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228, the barrel wall 228 extendingalong a barrel axis 230 in a forward direction from the breech end 224to the muzzle end 226. In one or more embodiments, a trigger guard 124is located forward of the grip portion 232, the trigger guard 124 beingsupported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122further comprises a forward suppressor unit 240 located forward of thetrigger guard 124, the forward suppressor unit 240 being supported bythe frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit240 comprises a complementary interlocking feature 132 located forwardof a forward facing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or moreembodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 comprises arearwardly facing stop surface 106. In one or more embodiments, theforward suppressor unit 240 comprises a sound suppressing assembly 238located forward of the muzzle end 226 of the barrel 222. In one or moreembodiments, the sound suppressing assembly 238 comprises a plurality ofbaffle wall portions 248 that cooperate with starboard wall portions 242and port wall portions 244 to define a plurality of expansion chambers246. In one or more embodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holsterbody 134 having a forward end 136 and a rearward end 138. In one or moreembodiments, the holster body 134 comprises a holster wall 140 defininga cavity 146 extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148extending forwardly and rearwardly. In one or more embodiments, theholster body 134 further defines the cavity 146 as having a rearwardportion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion 256 forward of therearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152 forward of the triggerguard receiving portion 256. In one or more embodiments, the holsterwall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening into the cavity 146. In one ormore embodiments, the combination includes a retention mechanism 158comprising a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140, thelever 160 being pivotable about a pivot axis 162. In one or moreembodiments, the lever 160 has a finger engaging portion disposed on afirst side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166 disposed on asecond side of the pivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through theaperture 156 and into the cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is inthe blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be positioned at thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 when thehandgun 122 is holstered. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 isselectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blockingmember 166 of the lever 160 is positioned at the complementaryinterlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and a non-blocking positionin which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is displaced away fromthe complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-9, a holster 120 for receiving ahandgun 122 having a trigger guard 124 and a complementary interlockingfeature 132 located forward of a forward-most end 126 of the triggerguard 124 comprises a holster body 134 having a forward end 136, arearward end 138, and a holster wall 140 extending therebetween. Theholster wall 140 extends in a forward direction from the rearward end138 to the forward end 136 and extends in the rearward direction fromthe rearward end 138 to the forward end 136. The holster wall 140comprises a starboard side portion 142 and a port side portion 144. Theholster wall 140 defines a holster cavity 146 extending along a handgunreceiving and withdrawal axis 148. The handgun receiving and withdrawalaxis 148 extends forwardly and rearwardly.

The holster cavity 146 comprises a rearward portion 150, a forwardportion 152, and a trigger guard receiving portion 164 disposed betweenthe forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. The holster wall140 defines an aperture 156 that opens into the forward portion 152 ofthe holster cavity 146. A retention mechanism 158 of the holster 120 issupported by the holster wall 140. The retention mechanism 158 comprisesa lever 160 pivotally supported by the holster wall 140. The lever 160is pivotable relative to the holster body 134 about a pivot axis 162. Inone or more embodiments, the lever 160 pivots about a pin 304 thatextends along the pivot axis 162. The lever 160 comprises a fingerengaging portion 164 disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 anda blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162.The blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted toengage a complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. Inone or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 isdimensioned and adapted to be received in a notch 190 of thecomplementary interlocking feature 132. In one or more embodiments, thenotch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature 132 may be definedby a starboard wall portion xx. In one or more embodiments, the blockingmember 166 of the lever 160 is dimensioned and adapted to be received ina notch 190 of a mating interlocking feature xx. In one or moreembodiments, the notch 190 of the complementary interlocking feature xxmay be defined by a port wall portion xx.

The lever 160 of the holster 120 is positioned so that the blockingmember 166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion152 of the holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in theblocking position. The lever 160 is selectively pivotable between ablocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160engages the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of thelever 160 is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 isretained in the holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 isengaging the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122and the handgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 whenthe blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one ormore embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146when the blocking member 166 is received in the notch 190 of thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and thehandgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when theblocking member 166 of the lever 160 is located outside of the notch 190of the complementary interlocking feature 132. In one or moreembodiments, a spring member 302 of the holster applies a torque to thelever 160. In one or more embodiments, the torque has a torque directionsuch that the lever 160 is biased to pivot toward the blocking position.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, a handgun 122 in accordancewith this detailed description may comprise a frame 220 supporting abarrel 222. In one or more embodiments, the barrel has a breech end 224,a muzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228 extending therebetween. Thebarrel wall 228 extends along a barrel axis 230 in the forward directionfrom the breech end 224 o the muzzle end 226 and extends along thebarrel axis 230 in a rearward direction from the muzzle end 226 to thebreech end 224. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises arearward grip portion 232 of the frame and a forward block portion 130supported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the rearwardgrip portion 232 and the forward block portion 130 each extend in agenerally downward direction away from the barrel 222. The handgun 122comprises a trigger guard 124 having a rearward-most end 128, aforward-most end 126, and an intermediate portion 236 extendingtherebetween. The rearward-most end 128 of the trigger guard 124 beingfixed to a forward facing surface of the rearward grip portion 232. Theforward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 being fixed to a rearwardfacing surface of the forward block portion 130. In one or moreembodiments, the forward block portion 130 of the handgun 122 comprisesa complementary interlocking feature 132. In one or more embodiments,the complementary interlocking feature 132 is disposed forward of theforward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124. In one or moreembodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 is disposeddownward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124.

In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 of the retention mechanismcomprises a first arm 168, a second arm 170 and a corner portion 172disposed between the first arm 168 and the second arm 170. In one ormore embodiments, the first arm 168 extends rearward from the cornerportion 172 and the second arm 170 extends forward and downward from thecorner portion 172. In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 of thelever 160 extends rearward to a point rearward of the forward-most end126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in theholster cavity 146.

In one or more embodiments, the first arm 168 of the lever 160 extendsrearward to a point forward of the rearward-most end 128 of the triggerguard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. Inone or more embodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 islocated rearward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one ormore embodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 is locatedforward of the rearward-most end 128 of the trigger guard 124 when thehandgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one or moreembodiments, a rearward end 138 of the first arm 168 is located upwardof the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun122 is received in the holster cavity 146.

In one or more embodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132of the forward block portion of the handgun comprises a notch 190dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of a blockingmember 166 of a retention mechanism 158 of a holster 120. The retentionmechanism 158 of the holster 120 comprises a lever 160 pivotallysupported by the holster wall 140. The lever 160 is pivotable about apivot axis 162 with a finger engaging portion 164 of the lever 160disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and a blocking member 166of the lever 160 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. Thelever 160 of the holster 120 is positioned so that the blocking member166 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 ofthe holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blockingposition. The lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blockingposition in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 engages thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and anon-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160is disengaged from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of thehandgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained inthe holster cavity 146 when the blocking member 166 is engaging thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and thehandgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when theblocking member 166 of the lever 160 is disengaged from thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122. In one ormore embodiments, the handgun 122 is retained in the holster cavity 146when the blocking member 166 is received in a notch 190 of thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and thehandgun 122 may be withdrawn from the holster cavity 146 when theblocking member 166 of the lever 160 is located outside of the notch 190of the complementary interlocking feature 132. A spring member 302 ofthe holster applies a torque to the lever 160. In one or moreembodiments, the torque has a torque direction such that the lever 160is biased to pivot toward the blocking position.

In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156that opens into the holster cavity 146 and the lever 160 is positionedso that the blocking member 166 extends through the aperture 156 atleast when the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or moreembodiments, the aperture 156 is disposed forward of the forward-mostend 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in theholster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the aperture 156 isdisposed downward of the forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124when the handgun 122 is received in the holster cavity 146. In one ormore embodiments, the blocking member 166 is disposed forward of theforward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 isreceived in the holster cavity 146. In one or more embodiments, theblocking member 166 is disposed downward of the forward-most end 126 ofthe trigger guard 124 when the handgun 122 is received in the holstercavity 146. In one or more embodiments, the holster cavity 146 comprisesa rearward portion 150, a forward portion 152, and a trigger guardreceiving portion 164 disposed between the forward portion 152 and therearward portion 150. In one or more embodiments, the holster wall 140defines an aperture 156 that opens into the forward portion 152 of theholster cavity. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 of a retentionmechanism 158 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 of the lever160 extends through the aperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 ofthe holster cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 is in the blockingposition.

In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 comprises a first arm 168, asecond arm 170 and a corner portion 172 disposed between the first arm168 and the second arm 170. In one or more embodiments, the first arm168 extends rearward from the corner portion 172 and the second arm 170extends forward and downward from the corner portion 172. In one or moreembodiments, the second arm 170 includes a first side surface 192 facinggenerally away from the holster cavity 146 and a second side surface 194facing generally toward the holster cavity 146. In one or moreembodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 comprises aprotrusion 174 extending beyond the second side surface 194 in adirection toward the holster cavity 146. Referring to FIGS. 1-11, anupward direction U and a downward direction D are illustrated usingarrows labeled “U” and “D.” A forward direction F and a rearwarddirection R are illustrated using arrows labeled “F” and “R,”respectively, in FIG. 1. A starboard direction S and a port direction Pare illustrated using arrows labeled “S” and “P,” respectively, inFIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, these directions may beconceptualized from the point of view of a user who is holding a firearmand/or viewing a device affixed to the firearm. The directionsillustrated using these arrows may be conceptualized, by way of exampleand not limitation, from the point of view of a user holding a handgunin a normal firing position. The directions illustrated using thesearrows are applicable to the apparatus shown and discussed throughoutthis application. The port direction may also be referred to as theportward direction.

It will be appreciated that direction indicating terms may be related tothe instant orientation of the object being described. It will also beappreciated that the objects described herein may assume variousorientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of thisdetailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as“upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “backwardly,” “portwardly,” and“starboardly,” should not be interpreted to limit the scope of theinvention recited in the attached claims. Various direction-indicatingterms may be used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objectsshown in the figures.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-11, a Y-axis generally extends inthe upward direction U and the downward or lower direction D and anX-axis generally extends in the starboard direction S and the portdirection P. A Z-axis generally extends in the forward direction F andthe rearward direction R. In one or more embodiments, the X, Y and Zaxes are mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis is generally orthogonal toan YZ plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The Y-axis isgenerally orthogonal to an XZ plane defined by the X-axis and theZ-axis. The Z-axis is generally orthogonal to an XY plane defined by theX-axis and the Y-axis.

In one or more embodiments, the upward direction is generally oppositethe downward direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward directionand the downward direction are both generally orthogonal to an XZ planedefined by the forward direction and the starboard direction. In one ormore embodiments, the forward direction is generally opposite therearward direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward directionand the rearward direction are both generally orthogonal to a XY planedefined by the upward direction and the starboard direction. In one ormore embodiments, the starboard direction is generally opposite the portdirection. In one or more embodiments, starboard direction and the portdirection are both generally orthogonal to a YZ plane defined by theupward direction and the forward direction. Various direction-indicatingterms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shownin the figures.

FIG. 9A through FIG. 9F are elevation and plan views showing six sidesof the handgun 122. Engineer graphics textbooks generally refer to theprocess used to create views showing six sides of a three dimensionalobject as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It iscustomary to refer to multiview projections using terms such as frontview, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, and bottomview. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 9A may be referred to asa front view of the handgun 122, FIG. 9B may be referred to as a rightside view of the handgun 122, and FIG. 9C may be referred to as a topview of the handgun 122. FIG. 9A through FIG. 9F may be referred tocollectively as FIG. 9. Terms such as front view and right side view areused herein as a convenient method for differentiating between the viewsshown in FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that the elements shown in FIG.9 may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit andscope of this detailed description. Accordingly, the terms front view,right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, bottom view, andthe like should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the inventionrecited in the attached claims. FIG. 9D may be referred to as a rearview of the handgun 122, FIG. 9E may be referred to as a left side viewof the handgun 122, and FIG. 9F may be referred to as a bottom view ofthe handgun 122.

Referring to FIG. 10A through FIG. 10F, views showing six sides of ahandgun 250. In the field of engineer graphics, the process used tocreate views showing six sides of a three dimensional object may bereferred to as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It isalso customary to refer to multiview or orthographic projection usingterms such as front view, right side view, top view, rear view, leftside view, and bottom view. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 10Amay be referred to as a front view of the handgun 250, FIG. 10B may bereferred to as a right side view of the handgun 250, and FIG. 10C may bereferred to as a top view of the handgun 250. FIG. 10A through FIG. 10Fmay be referred to collectively as FIG. 10. Terms such as front view andright side view are used herein as a convenient method fordifferentiating between the views shown in FIG. 10. It will beappreciated that the elements shown in FIG. 10 may assume variousorientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of thisdetailed description. Accordingly, the terms front view, right sideview, top view, rear view, left side view, bottom view, and the likeshould not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited inthe attached claims. FIG. 10D may be referred to as a rear view of thehandgun 250, FIG. 10E may be referred to as a left side view of thehandgun 250, and FIG. 10F may be referred to as a bottom view of thehandgun 250. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, an accessory 252 is supportedby a mounting rail of the handgun 250. The accessory 252 defines acomplementary interlocking feature 132. Weapon-mounted firearmaccessories, such as accessory 252, have become an important tool formilitary, police, militia, and civilian firearm users. Examples ofpopular firearm accessories include targeting devices, such as LASERsighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights. Manyhandgun designs incorporate mounting rails for supporting theseaccessories. Using an accessory rail interface, a given accessory may bemounted to a variety of firearms or firearms platforms Likewise, if aparticular firearm includes a rail interface, a variety of accessoriesmay be interchangeably mounted to the firearm. The interchangeability ofaccessories is of particular importance to military and law enforcementpersonnel attached to special operations units, as this allows a singlefirearm to be reconfigured to meet certain mission specific needs.

FIG. 11A through FIG. 11F are elevation and plan views showing six sidesof a handgun 260. Engineer graphics textbooks generally refer to theprocess used to create views showing six sides of a three dimensionalobject as multiview projection or orthographic projection. It iscustomary to refer to multiview projections using terms such as frontview, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, and bottomview. In accordance with this convention, FIG. 11A may be referred to asa front view of the handgun 260, FIG. 11B may be referred to as a rightside view of the handgun 260, and FIG. 11C may be referred to as a topview of the handgun 260. FIG. 11A through FIG. 11F may be referred tocollectively as FIG. 11. Terms such as front view and right side vieware used herein as a convenient method for differentiating between theviews shown in FIG. 11. It will be appreciated that the elements shownin FIG. 11 may assume various orientations without deviating from thespirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, the termsfront view, right side view, top view, rear view, left side view, bottomview, and the like should not be interpreted to limit the scope of theinvention recited in the attached claims. FIG. 11D may be referred to asa rear view of the handgun 260, FIG. 11E may be referred to as a leftside view of the handgun 260, and FIG. 11F may be referred to as abottom view of the handgun 260. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a forwardblock portion 130 of handgun 260 defines a surface 262 that is generallyorthogonal to a barrel axis 230 of the handgun 260.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, an assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments comprises the combination of aholster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and the handgun 122. In one ormore embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a frame 220 having arearward grip portion 232 supporting a pair of grips. In one or moreembodiments, the handgun 122 further comprises a trigger guard 124located forward of the grip portion 232, the trigger guard 124 beingsupported by the frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122comprises a forward suppressor unit 240 located forward of the triggerguard 124, the forward suppressor unit 240 being supported by the frame220. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240comprises a complementary interlocking feature 132 located forward of aforward facing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or moreembodiments, the complementary interlocking feature 132 is located on astarboard side of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or moreembodiments, the mating interlocking feature 100 comprises a notch 190defined by a starboard wall portion 242 of the forward suppressor unit240. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240comprises a mating interlocking feature 100 located forward of a forwardfacing surface 102 of the trigger guard 124. In one or more embodiments,the mating interlocking feature 100 is located on a port side of theforward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, the matinginterlocking feature 100 comprises a notch 190 defined by a port wallportion 244 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or moreembodiments, the handgun 122 further comprises a barrel 222 supported bythe frame 220. In one or more embodiments, the barrel 222 has a breechend 224, a muzzle end 226, and a barrel wall 228. In one or moreembodiments, the barrel wall 228 extends along a barrel axis 230 in aforward direction from the breech end 224 to the muzzle end 226.

In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit 240 comprises asound suppressing assembly 238 located forward of the muzzle end 226 ofthe barrel 222. In one or more embodiments, the forward suppressor unit240 comprises, a plurality of starboard wall portions 242, a pluralityof opposing port wall portions 244, and a plurality of baffle wallportions 248 extending between the starboard wall portions 242 and theport wall portions 244. In one or more embodiments, the wall portionsdefine a plurality of expansion chambers 246. In one or moreembodiments, each of the baffle wall portions 248 defines a bulletpassageway 254. In one or more embodiments, the baffle wall portions 248are arranged along the barrel axis 230 with the barrel axis 230intersecting the bullet passageway 254 defined by each of the bafflewall portions 248.

In one or more embodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holster body 134having a forward end 136, a rearward end 138, and a holster wall 140. Inone or more embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines a cavity 146extending along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148, the handgunreceiving and withdrawal axis 148 extending forwardly and rearwardly. Inone or more embodiments, the holster body 134 further defines the cavity146 as having a rearward portion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion256 forward of the rearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152forward of the trigger guard receiving portion 256. In one or moreembodiments, the trigger guard receiving portion 256 is disposed betweenthe forward portion 152 and the rearward portion 150. In one or moreembodiments, the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening intothe forward portion 152 of the cavity 146. An assembly in accordancewith one or more embodiments further comprises a retention mechanism 158comprising a lever 160 that is pivotally supported by the holster wall140. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is pivotable about apivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 has a fingerengaging portion 164 disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 anda blocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162.In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 isdimensioned and adapted to be received in a complementary interlockingfeature 132 of the handgun 122. In one or more embodiments, the lever160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends through theaperture 156 and into the forward portion 152 of the cavity 146 at leastwhen the lever 160 is in the blocking position. In one or moreembodiments, the lever 160 is selectively pivotable between a blockingposition in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 is positionedat the complementary interlocking feature 132 of the handgun 122 and anon-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of the lever 160is displaced away from the complementary interlocking feature 132 of thehandgun 122.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, an assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments comprises the combination of aholster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and the handgun 122. The holster120 may be a holster as described herein. The handgun 122 may be, by wayof example and not limitation, a revolver including a cylinder 108 thatholds cartridges and selectively rotates to put a cartridge in a firingposition.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 1-3 and 14-19, a combination of aholster 120 for receiving a handgun 122 and a handgun 122 is disclosed.In one or more embodiments, the handgun 122 comprises a trigger guard124 and a forward suppressor unit 240 having a complementaryinterlocking feature 132 defining a rearward and laterally outwardfacing notch 190 located forward of a forward facing surface 102 and/ora forward-most end 126 of the trigger guard 124. In one or moreembodiments, the holster 120 comprises a holster body 134 having aforward end 136, a rearward end 138, and a holster wall 140. In one ormore embodiments, the holster wall 140 defines a cavity 146 extendingalong a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis 148, the handgun receivingand withdrawal axis 148 extending forwardly and rearwardly. In one ormore embodiments, the holster body 134 further defines the cavity 146 ashaving a rearward portion 150, a trigger guard receiving portion 256forward of the rearward portion 150, and a forward portion 152 forwardof the trigger guard receiving portion 256. In one or more embodiments,the trigger guard receiving portion 256 is disposed between the forwardportion 152 and the rearward portion 150. In one or more embodiments,the holster wall 140 defines an aperture 156 opening into the cavity146. In one or more embodiments, a retention mechanism 158 of theholster 120 comprises a lever 160 pivotally supported by the holsterwall 140. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 is pivotable about apivot axis 162. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 has a fingerengaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivot axis 162 and ablocking member 166 disposed on a second side of the pivot axis 162. Inone or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 of the lever 160 isdimensioned and adapted to be received in the notch 190 defined by thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit240. In one or more embodiments, the blocking member 166 includes aforwardly facing surface that is dimensioned and adapted to confront arearwardly facing surface 106 of the complementary interlocking feature132 of the forward suppressor unit 240. In one or more embodiments, thelever 160 is positioned so that the blocking member 166 extends throughthe aperture 156 and into the cavity 146 at least when the lever 160 isin the blocking position. In one or more embodiments, the lever 160 isselectively pivotable between a blocking position in which the blockingmember 166 of the lever 160 is positioned in the notch 190 of thecomplementary interlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit240 and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member 166 of thelever 160 is displaced away from the notch 190 of the complementaryinterlocking feature 132 of the forward suppressor unit 240.

The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by referenceherein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,784, U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,962, U.S. Pat. No.6,267,279, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,111, U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,009, U.S. Pat.No. 6,752,300, U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,712, U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,765, U.S.Pat. No. 7,530,456, U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,181, U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,497,U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,050, U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,758, U.S. Pat. No.8,177,108, U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,263, U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,670, U.S. Pat.No. 8,517,235, U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,276, U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,981, U.S.Pat. No. 8,720,753, U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,755, U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,344,U.S. Pat. No. 8,985,412, U.S. Pat. No. 9,022,262, U.S. Pat. No.9,057,579, U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,580, U.S. Pat. No. 9,134,093, U.S. Pat.No. 9,175,925, U.S. Pat. No. 9,267,760, U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,741, U.S.Pat. No. 9,383,165, U.S. Pat. No. 9,410,767, U.S. Pat. No. 9,500,426,and U.S. Pat. No. 9,83,5400. Published U.S. Patent ApplicationUS2017/0205172 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. All U.S.patents issuing from and claiming priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/261,079 are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The above references to U.S. patents in all sections of this applicationare herein incorporated by references in their entirety for allpurposes. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized withembodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, forexample, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).

The above references in all sections of this application are hereinincorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. All ofthe features disclosed in this specification (including the referencesincorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstractand drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including referencesincorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract anddrawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus,unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one exampleonly of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The above referencesin all sections of this application are herein incorporated byreferences in their entirety for all purposes.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein,it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substitutedfor the specific examples shown. This application is intended to coveradaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, itis intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims andtheir legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects.The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merelydescriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting.Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur tothose skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications aredeemed to be within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination of a holster for receiving ahandgun and a handgun, the handgun comprising a frame having a handgripportion, a barrel supported by the frame, the barrel having a breechend, a muzzle end, and a barrel wall, the barrel wall extending along abarrel axis in a forward direction from the breech end to the muzzleend, a trigger guard located forward of the handgrip portion, thetrigger guard being supported by the frame, the handgun comprising aforward suppressor unit located forward of the trigger guard, theforward suppressor unit being supported by the frame, the forwardsuppressor unit comprising a complementary interlocking feature locatedforward of a forward-most surface of the trigger guard, thecomplementary interlocking feature comprising a rearwardly facing stopsurface, the forward suppressor unit comprising a sound suppressingassembly located forward of the muzzle end of the barrel; the holstercomprising a holster body having a forward end and a rearward end, theholster body comprising a holster wall defining a cavity extending alonga handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly andrearwardly; the holster body further defining the cavity as having arearward portion, a trigger guard portion forward of the rearwardportion, and a forward portion forward of the trigger guard receivingportion, the holster wall defining an aperture opening into the forwardportion of the cavity; a retention mechanism comprising a leverpivotally supported by the holster wall, the lever being pivotable abouta pivot axis, the lever having a finger engaging portion disposed on afirst side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a secondside of the pivot axis, the lever being positioned so that the blockingmember extends through the aperture and into the forward portion of thecavity at least when the lever is in the blocking position, the blockingmember of the lever being dimensioned and adapted to be positioned atthe complementary interlocking feature of the handgun when the handgunis holstered; the lever being selectively pivotable between a blockingposition in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned at thecomplementary interlocking feature of the handgun and a non-blockingposition in which the blocking member of the lever is displaced awayfrom the complementary interlocking feature of the handgun.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein the complementary interlocking featuredefines a notch.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the complementaryinterlocking feature comprises a surface perpendicular or oblique to thebarrel axis of the handgun.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein thefinger engaging portion of the lever is adapted and positioned foractuation via contact with a first phalanx of an index finger of aholster user while a grip portion of the handgun is disposed between theindex finger and a thumb of the holster user.
 5. The combination ofclaim 1 further including a spring member applying a torque to thelever, the torque having a torque direction such that the lever isbiased to pivot toward the blocking position.
 6. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein: the cavity has a height dimension and a widthdimension; and an aspect ratio of the height dimension to the widthdimension is greater than about two.
 7. The combination of claim 1wherein: the lever comprises a first arm, a second arm and a cornerportion disposed between the first arm and the second arm, the first armextending rearward from the corner portion, and the second arm extendingforward and downward from the corner portion; the second arm includes afirst side surface facing generally away from the holster cavity and asecond side surface facing generally toward the holster cavity; theblocking member comprises a protrusion extending beyond the second sidesurface of the engagement member in a direction toward the holstercavity.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the protrusion comprises aforwardly facing surface for engaging a rearwardly facing surface of thecomplementary interlocking feature.
 9. The combination of claim 7wherein the protrusion comprises a forwardly facing surface for engagingthe complementary interlocking feature.
 10. The combination of claim 7wherein the forward facing surface comprises a convex surface.
 11. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein the forward facing surface comprises aplanar surface, the planar surface having a skewed orientation relativeto the handgun insertion and withdrawal axis such that the planarsurface extends rearward as the planar surface extends upward.
 12. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein the complementary interlocking featurecomprises a concave surface.
 13. The combination of claim 7 wherein thefirst arm extends rearward to a point rearward of the forward end of thetrigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.
 14. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein the first arm extends rearward to a pointforward of the rearward end of the trigger guard when the handgun isreceived in the cavity.
 15. The combination of claim 7 wherein arearward end of the first arm is located rearward of the forward end ofthe trigger guard when the handgun is received in the cavity.
 16. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein a rearward end of the first arm islocated forward of the rearward end of the trigger guard when thehandgun is received in the cavity.
 17. The combination of claim 1wherein the sound suppressing assembly comprises a plurality ofstarboard wall portions, a plurality of opposing port wall portions, anda plurality of baffle wall portions extending between the starboard wallportions and the port wall portions, the wall portions defining aplurality of expansion chambers, each baffle wall portion defining abullet passageway, the baffle wall portions being arranged along thebarrel axis with the barrel axis intersecting the bullet passagewaydefined by each baffle wall portion.
 18. A combination of a holster forreceiving a handgun and a handgun: the handgun comprising a triggerguard and a forward suppressor unit having a complementary interlockingfeature defining a rearward and laterally outward facing notch locatedforward of a forward-most end of the trigger guard; the holstercomprising a holster body having a forward end, a rearward end, and aholster wall, the holster wall defining a cavity extending along ahandgun receiving and withdrawal axis, the handgun receiving andwithdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly; the holster bodyfurther defining the cavity as having a rearward portion, a triggerguard portion forward of the rearward portion, and a forward portionforward of the trigger guard receiving portion, the trigger guardreceiving portion being disposed between the forward portion and therearward portion, the holster wall defining an aperture opening into theforward portion of the cavity; a retention mechanism comprising a leverpivotally supported by the holster wall, the lever being pivotable abouta pivot axis, the lever having a finger engaging portion disposed on afirst side of the pivot axis and a blocking member disposed on a secondside of the pivot axis, the blocking member of the lever beingdimensioned and adapted to be received in the notch defined by thecomplementary interlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit; thelever being positioned so that the blocking member extends through theaperture and into the forward portion of the cavity at least when thelever is in the blocking position; the lever being selectively pivotablebetween a blocking position in which the blocking member of the lever ispositioned in the notch of the complementary interlocking feature of thehandgun and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member of thelever is displaced away from the notch of the complementary interlockingfeature of the forward suppressor unit.
 19. A combination of a holsterfor receiving a handgun and a handgun, the combination comprising: theholster and the handgun, the handgun comprising a frame having ahandgrip portion supporting a pair of grips, the handgun furthercomprising a trigger guard located forward of the handgrip, the triggerguard being supported by the frame, the handgun comprising a forwardsuppressor unit located forward of the trigger guard, the forwardsuppressor unit being supported by the frame, the forward suppressorunit comprising a complementary interlocking feature located forward ofa forward-most surface of the trigger guard, the complementaryinterlocking feature having a rearwardly facing surface; the handgunfurther comprising a barrel supported by the frame, the barrel having abreech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel wall, the barrel wall extendingalong a barrel axis in a forward direction from the breech end to themuzzle end; the forward suppressor unit comprising a sound suppressingassembly located forward of the muzzle end of the barrel, comprising aplurality of starboard wall portions, a plurality of opposing port wallportions, and a plurality of baffle wall portions extending between thestarboard wall portions and the port wall portions, the wall portionsdefining a plurality of expansion chambers, each baffle wall portiondefining a bullet passageway, the baffle wall portions being arrangedalong the barrel axis with the barrel axis intersecting the bulletpassageway of each baffle wall portion; the holster comprising a holsterbody having a forward end, a rearward end, and a holster wall, theholster wall defining a cavity extending along a handgun receiving andwithdrawal axis, the handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extendingforwardly and rearwardly; the holster body further defining the cavityas having a rearward portion, a trigger guard portion forward of therearward portion, and a forward portion forward of the trigger guardreceiving portion, the trigger guard receiving portion being disposedbetween the forward portion and the rearward portion, the holster walldefining an aperture opening into the forward portion of the cavity; aretention mechanism comprising a lever pivotally supported by theholster wall, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis, the leverhaving a finger engaging portion disposed on a first side of the pivotaxis and a blocking member disposed on a second side of the pivot axis,the blocking member of the lever being dimensioned and adapted toconfront the rearwardly facing surface of the complementary interlockingfeature of the forward suppressor unit; the lever being positioned sothat the blocking member extends through the aperture and into theforward portion of the cavity at least when the lever is in the blockingposition; the lever being selectively pivotable between a blockingposition in which the blocking member of the lever is positioned toconfront the rearwardly facing surface of the complementary interlockingfeature of the handgun and a non-blocking position in which the blockingmember of the lever is displaced away from the complementaryinterlocking feature of the forward suppressor unit.